9 Ways to Use Chia Seeds

In honor of Heart Awareness Month, I've gathered up recipes that have the ultimate superfood: chia seeds. Chia seeds are a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. If you have not heard of chia seeds, read "What Can You Do with Chia Seeds? Plenty!" for more information. Don't let giggles and jokes about the kitschy Chia Pet commercials dissuade you. I add chia to almost all recipes these days. I love that it's gluten and alergy-free. Try these chia recipes today.

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I make Lemon Chia Fresca from the back of bob's redmill package. You soak chia seeds in water over night then squeeze the juice from lemons and mix them with some sweetner, I choose maple syrup or honey. You then mix it all together with a sparkling water! It is quite refreshing. - 1/23/2015 11:31:14 AM

Our Sprouts Market sells them in the bulk section for a much lower price than I have seem in any other store. I've been using chia seeds in overnight oatmeal smoothies but I think I'm going to branch out and try a few of these suggestions. I also might try Chia Seeds in Lemon water (putting together 2 posters ideas :) )
- 7/13/2014 3:37:32 PM

I have been eating chia seeds for at least two years. I add them to my oatmeal and let them soak while I take my morning walk. When I get back from exercising, I cook the oats and chia seed mixture. Add a little honey and some blueberries. Yum! I sometimes add to fruit juice...shake for a minute or two and drink up. Chia helps those of us that struggle with constipation.
- 6/22/2014 7:44:42 PM

I was checking out at my local grocery store when I saw the cashier had a bottle of SmartWater with "things" floating in it. I asked her about it, and she told me she used it for weight loss, and it really works. So I went to the local health food store and got some and tried it in a bottle of Hint cucumber water. I thought it was good. My daughters refuse to drink the "buggie water". I drank it before bed, and didn't have and reflux problems. Then next time I was at CostCo (fifty miles away), I saw a huge bag and grabbed it. I started checking the internet and found great ideas. I'm a big tapioca pudding fan, so I'm going to try chia pudding. I buy True Citrus products and mix up a bottle with different flavors and chia seeds. My family is also a big salad eater and I make dressing out of them as well. Gonna try some of these other recipes as well.
- 4/24/2014 5:33:44 PM

I bought some Chia seeds after hearing Dr. Oz tout their weight loss properties. Finding out they were high in protein and Omega-3s was a bonus for this post gastric bypass (10 years) patient. I did NOT know they were good for acid reflux, which my hubby suffers from ... and yes, LKG9999, I always hear that jingle in my head!
- 1/25/2014 10:55:33 AM

I first discovered chia seed when I began looking for healthier white cheddar cheese popcorn options. I LOVE it, but wanted to find a brand that was better for me than the super-processed, high-sodium and high-fat versions like Lance brand. I found one called Chia Pop, which I have come to LOVE, LOVE LOVE!!! It's only about 110 calories per 3 cups, high in fiber and also has a little protein. And it's made with chia seed and tastes amazing. It's quickly become a not-so-guilty pleasure in my new lifestyle! I find it at the better Krogers - the ones with sizable organic sections (it's IN the organic section). Normal cost is $3.49 a bag where I am, but Kroger often has on sale 2 / $5 which is super helpful. I stock up then.

Since discovering chia seed from that popcorn, I now purchase cold-mill ground chia see and add it to my green smoothies each morning and night. Since a serving is 2 tbsp, I add 1 tbsp to my morning smoothie and 1 to my evening smoothie. Between that and the popcorn, I get plenty in a day and feel a lot better for it!
- 1/11/2014 6:58:30 PM

Chia sseeds are a phenomenal source of Omega 3s and this year became a daily part of my diet. I add them to green smoothies every morning and am always looking for new ways to incorporate them. It helps that they are now available at Costco.
- 12/27/2013 9:03:33 AM

Chia seeds pack a nutritional punch. i hate eating fish so i get my Omega 3s chia and flax seeds. They are high fiber so build yourself up slowly or you will have diarreha. I suffer from IBS and these have helped get my frequent loose stools under control because of the high fiber. Sorry if that is TMI.
- 11/16/2013 6:27:09 AM

I am yet to try them myself, but I did see them at Ocean State Job Lot. If you are not from the New England area this is a store similar to Big Lots. They offer close out (not outdated) merchandise at a discounted price. They have Chia, Flax seed, etc. That way you can get the benefits without the expense. Maybe I'll try the Chia next time; now I'm on Flax seed.
- 10/22/2013 4:15:16 PM

I put them in my yogurt every morning and whenever I make a smoothie, they are in there. I have put them in hamburgers and I put them in my homemade granola bars. There are a few sites out there with lots of suggestions on what to do with them. There is one that has over 40 uses for them!!!
- 6/27/2013 8:26:07 PM

Prevention magazine had a recipe for Quick Strawberry Jam using chia seeds - 1 pound of ripe strawberries (put in a bowl and mash with a fork) Stir in 2 T lemon juice, 2 T chia seeds and 1 T honey, Cover and chill set for about 45 minutes. Keep chilled and use within 2 weeks, It was delicious on almond meal pancakes!
- 6/19/2013 8:49:26 AM

I have been making refrigerator oatmeal. You put 1/4 c old fashioned oats, 1/4 c plain or vanilla greek yogurt, 1/4 c milk, 1/4 c fruit of choice, 2 T honey, maybe some vanilla flavoring, and CHIA SEEDS in a covered dish at night in to the fridge. In the morning your breakfast is ready! It can be eaten cold or warmed up.
- 3/21/2013 9:30:47 PM

Here in Mexico it's very popular to have Lemonade and add a handful of chia seeds to the pithcer. Kid's love it (Mine call it lemonade with bugs) If you let it gel a little bit, it's great if you have heartburn and acid reflux. They also claim to help reduce cholesterol (probably because of the fiber) and it helps you feel satisfied.
- 3/17/2013 11:15:42 PM

I love chia seeds! I add them to my yogurt but also just add a tablespoon to a glass of water and it helps fill you up. Just drink it fast before it gels! It's an anti inflammatory so it also helps with my stomach issues. For me it's amazing!
- 3/8/2013 12:29:59 AM

I Love my Chia seeds. Every morning I have 1/2 cup fibre twigs style cereal,topped with a 'good' granola 1/4 cup with nuts & seeds , a heaping tablespoon of chia seeds and a 1/2 cup frozen blueberries. I usually measure this out at night and shove in the fridge then pour warmed milk over it in morning, or nuke the whole lot. The thawing blueberries soak the chia and amplify the blueberry flavour. At least 29 mornings out of 30 per month. I need the fibre and this gives over 25 g in one meal
- 2/13/2013 12:49:10 PM

I had to stop using flax-seed as it was making my IBS even more unbearable than it is........my question is will these do the same thing??? Don't want to experiment if you know what I mean..........I have more things to do than to sit on the toilet seat all day. Anyone know the answer to this please let me know on my Sparkpage please??? Thank you
- 2/13/2013 10:42:52 AM

I use chia seeds in place of flaxseed in my smoothies and my breakfast cereal mix (Engine 2-Rip's Big bowl) and I make an easy chocolate chia pudding Mix 1 cup of your favorite vegan milk 1-2 Tbsp cocao powder 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract a bit of your favorite sweetener (to taste). Stir well and let it soak in the fridge for a couple of hours. The result is almost like a tapioca pudding.
- 2/13/2013 9:43:08 AM

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